Dick Goldman
Dick Goldman is President of the Valencia Lakes Jewish Connection (aka Jewish Heritage Club) and also leads the community’s Genealogy Club. Before relocating to Boynton Beach, he was President of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Maryland and served as Vice President of the 12,000 member “International Association of Jewish Genealogy Societies”, IAJGS. He taught adults at the Boynton Beach JCC, spoke often at the Hagen Ranch Library, and has been a popular lecturer for many Jewish and secular groups in the area.
He is the retired General Manager of the Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center in Baltimore (Jewish Federation) and was Director of Jewish life and Camping Services at their JCC. Dick was the founding Director of Youth Activities for Women’s American ORT, led multiple trips to Israel and is an award-winning Jewish educator. After retirement he served as an Adjunct Faculty in Maryland teaching genealogy and continued to lecture on related topics throughout the Mid-Atlantic area. His graduate work took place at Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. In his ‘secular’ career he was a “serial entrepreneur” and founder and President of two high tech companies. He is married to Roz and has two children and five grandchildren.
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The Wandering Jew
The story of the Jewish People and our “wanderings”, from the time of ‘genetic Adam and Eve” until the present. Where we lived, why we moved so often and what we learned along the way. This is a fascinating look at our origins and breadth of experience. Learn about the myth of the “Wandering Jew”!
A Rose By Any Other Name Smells As Sweet
For many of us, our family names are clues to our ancestors’ career, personality, characteristics, town of origin’ or religious practices. This is particularly true for those with Jewish ancestry but is equally valid for those with other European origins. Learn why, how and when we received our last names and what they can reveal. Discover if your name was changed at Ellis Island or if this is a complete myth.
Digging Up Your Family Roots
It started with a photograph. Who was the forlorn little boy in the fading picture wearing strange clothing? Was he a relative? Where was the picture taken? Decades later that singular picture, unearthed during a Seder when I was 11, has led to the discovery of over 10,000 family members. Learn how you can uncover your family history and create a precious legacy. (Note: If there are 50 Jews in a room, at least two are related and don’t know it yet!)
The Secrets Hidden In Your DNA
It’s being advertised everywhere; take a DNA test and find out whether you should wear a kilt or Lederhosen! Hear the stories of three people whose lives were dramatically changed after DNA testing! Exactly what do these tests disclose? What are “Y”, “Autosomal” and “Mitochondrial” DNA? What is Jewish “endogamy” and why does it matter? Learn how a DNA test may unlock deep and hidden secrets. Are you willing to take your chances with this?
Using The Internet To Find Your Ancestors
There are hundreds of web sites specifically dedicated to genealogy and the history, residences and personal records that exist for our ancestors. Learn where these can be found and how they can be accessed both for free and on the most useful subscription sites. If someone was living after about 1800, the likelihood is that information about them can be found on the internet. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a lasting family legacy!
The Rise And Fall Of The Jewish Shtetyl
Learn why so many Jews lived in Eastern European Shtetls and why they were built. Hear about the daily lives of our ancestors, and understand why and how this ‘Golden Age’ came to an abrupt end. Was it the result of rampant antisemitism and rioting or inevitability?
The Jewish History Of Bagels & Bialys
Where did bagels originate? How, when and why did they first appear in America? What makes bagels & bialys Jewish? How did bagels get paired with Lox & Cream Cheese? How do bagels and bialys differ from each other?